Lower Tauern South

Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem

The persistent weak layer problem continues to make the situation tense and difficult to calculate in the terrain. Outgoing longwave radiation on Monday night is severely limited.

Combined wet and persistent weak layer problem

The avalanche risk is considerable above the tree line and moderate below. In some places, especially on shady slopes above the tree line, medium to large dry slab avalanches can be triggered by individuals (even from a distance). Danger areas are difficult to recognise away from obvious pillows of wind drifted snow, which is why caution and a defensive choice of route is still advised. This applies in particular in the area of the tree line and in forest aisles. In addition, large spontaneous and human-triggered wet snow avalanches may occur in all aspects. There is a low level of sliding snow activity.

Overnight, a stable melt-freeze crust forms on the steep sunny slopes, but this softens very quickly. The upper part of the snowpack is then formed by several slab-thick layers of felt and wind slab of varying hardness, which in turn rests on an unfavourable base of faceted crystals and deep rime. Fractures primarily occur between the last packets of drift snow, but can also break through to the old snow foundation, which is usually completely transformed. In places with little snow and in deep or sunny slopes, the snowpack becomes isothermal during the day changes.

The night starts clear. Clouds will spread from the west, but will only reach the eastern mountain groups in the morning. On Sunday, the sun may appear at least occasionally along the Tauern mountains, especially in the morning. However, visibility will be limited at higher altitudes. The wind will be mainly light from southerly directions. Temperatures will drop slightly, reaching around 0 degrees at 2000 metres and -5 degrees at 3000 metres.